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"Unless you try something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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A Note From the Head of School:
The Quiet Power of "Whatever"
It is hard when your child is having a tough time with their peers. We strive to create a world in which people are empathetic, caring, and where others treat us how we would like to be treated. Sadly, as we all know from personal experience, that dream is not always our reality. I believe we need to help our kids build the skills necessary to navigate difficult social interactions. There is no doubt that the sting of teasing hurts, but to teach our children to competently manage the situation allows them the capacity to grow in better understanding themselves and human nature. When my children struggle with these issues, I make sure they understand that I am there for them as a problem-solver and a partner. I actively listen, rephrase what they say, and I ask questions to ensure I am getting the whole story. I make sure they understand they can always talk to me and that they are not alone in these times. However, with the simple kid to kid issues, I want the situation to be rectified by them, not me. Should the situation continue to escalate, I will step in.
Here are some ideas to help your child develop a number of skills if they are being teased. Some ideas to have your child do are:
- Engage in self-talk in their heads such as "I don't like this teasing, but I can handle it."
- Roleplay where your son is the bully and you show him what to say. See what "fits" your child's response best. Then, switch and have him try it out.
- Use humor to change the subject (Many of our students are hilarious!)
- Ignore the other student.
- Use "I" messages such as "I don't like it when you make fun of my glasses. I would like you to stop."
- Visualize the hurtful words bouncing off of him. It provides the imagery of a shield and the mechanism of thinking so the words do not have to be believed or accepted. This works particularly well for younger students.
- Look the other child straight in the eye and saying "Whatever." Or "So?" without emotion or reaction. The less energy your child gives back to their perpetrator, the less likely they are to keep bothering your child.
- Figure out whom your child can go to if the problem continues and you are not there. Who are the safe people they can ask for help from? What is the best way to approach the bus driver or a soccer coach? Practice what that might look like.
I think it is important to create a plan so that should the situation arise again, your child feels ready. Circle back at the end of the day to your child and check in on how things are going. Did they execute the plan? What worked, and what didn't work? Is there something they could do better? Reiterate that you know they are capable, and they will get through this situation.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of any help.
Wishing you a carefree weekend,
Head of School
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Donations Needed for the
Buffalo Bucks Store
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Please send in contributions for our Buffalo Buck's Store. We would be grateful for any new or gently used small toy donations for our Store so that our Belugas can go shopping each week to work on goal setting and their personal finance skills. |
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We are looking for parents and community members who will help us organize our first official virtual Run for Radcliffe. We really need corporate sponsors.
This is a huge fundraiser for our financial aid program. Please contact Kim Nistler if you are interested in helping us.
You can now sign up for the Run. We also are looking for our students to be individual fundraisers.
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We ask that you touch base with either Meg Bamford or Kelley Davis if you will not be able to sign and return your contract by the contract deadline. CONTRACTS ARE DUE BACK BY MAY 1, 2021.
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BEAUTIFICATION DAY
April 22, 2021
RCS EARLY DISMISSAL
April 28, 2021
NO SCHOOL FOR LC
April 30, 2021
RCS EARLY DISMISSAL
May 5, 2021
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK May 3rd- May 7th
Please stay tuned for more details on how you can contribute!
SPIRIT DAY: CRAZY HAIR AND HAT DAY
MAY 7, 2021
RCS Virtual Thrive Night
6:00 pm, May 13th (stay tuned for more details)
Please note the last day of school is 6/11/2021
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Thank you so much to the parents, students, and staff for making our Beautification Day so successful!
Our campus looks WONDERFUL thanks to your efforts.
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A reminder that Little Creek will be closed for PD on 4/30/21
1. Infants: Art with Harlan! Each of the children got to take turns using green and blue finger paint on a paper plate as they learned that those our the colors and shape of our planet Earth.
2. Toddlers: Physical development with Haddie! The children got to take turns climbing the mountain of mulch that was delivered to the school!
3. Two's: Science with friends in the 2's! The class loves getting to see their class pet hermit crab bob come out to visit.
4. Threes: Math with Mabel! The children practiced their shape knowledge as they used different shapes to glue on their paper to make a house.
5. PreK: Science and social development with friends in PreK! For earth day, the class participated in a playground clean-up and looked for trash to collect.
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RADCLIFFE CREEK SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNOUNCES NEW PROVIDER FOR THE LITTLE CREEK PROGRAM
The Board of Trustees of Radcliffe Creek School, Inc. is pleased to announce the selection of Khadijah Robaina as the new child care provider that will be leasing the child care center space on the school’s campus. Ms. Robaina has over 20 years of experience as an educator and professional childcare provider, 10 of which were as an early childhood educator in inclusion classrooms. She earned her Bachelors in English, a Masters in Elementary Education from Howard University, and is completing her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. In addition, as a three time children’s book author and dance fitness instructor, she has dedicated her life to ensuring that all children in her care feel loved, accepted, and valued.
According to Robert Ditmars, Board President, Ms. Robaina’s mission and philosophy align with Radcliffe Creek School, Inc.’s belief in high-quality early childhood programs. Her company Tip Top Tots ELC, Inc., formerly known as Greater Works Childcare, is scheduled to open Fall 2021 as Tip Top Tots ELC at Little Creek. The transition plan includes a virtual meeting with interested parents and staff on May 19, 2021. A needs assessment survey will be available for parents and staff to complete, also. “The Board of Trustees are confident that the Little Creek experience will continue on our campus with Ms. Robaina’s dedication and professional experience,” said Mr. Ditmars.
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201 Talbot Blvd.,
Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone (410) 778-8150
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Discover. Create. Thrive. |
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